Vaishnavism, Branches of Vaishnavism : Shaivism, Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions, and the Determination of Festivals According to Smarta and Vaishnava Practices.
Vaishnava: A Vaishnava is a devotee who worships Lord Jagannatha , who is known as Lord Maha Vishnu (Vishnu or His incarnations), who is the Supreme Soul (Paramatman). Vaishnavism is the devotional tradition centered on the loving worship ( bhakti ) of Lord Jagannatha/Maha Vishnu. Vaishnavism follows the path of devotion and is guided by authoritative scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, aspiring for liberation through loving service (devotion) to the Lord. It is pertinent to note that Vaishnavism is regarded as the true and authentic path of Sanatan Dharma , which is called the eternal religion. Lord Jagannatha, being the Supreme Soul (Paramatman) and Para-brahman, is the establisher of Sanatana Dharma. The term sanatana signifies that which is eternal, beginningless, and everlasting-unchanging across all time. श्रीजगन्नाथतत्त्वप्रकाशः (मुक्तछन्दः) एकः ब्रह्म महाप्रभुः श्रीजगन्नाथः जगदीश्वरः॥ सर्वाधिकारः तस्यैव, नान्यः कश्चित् ईश्वरः॥ मा कुरुत अन्यायं, मा कु...